L&L Property Contractors Snooker League stepped aside again as the Eric McMullen Memorial Handicap TKO Trophy semi-finals took centre stage.
After two deciding 3-2 frame wins it was Workington Golf Club and fellow townies Veterans Club B who will now meet in the April 27 final.
As the golf club finished top of their qualifying group they made the most of home tie advantage with a 3-2 victory over Workington’s Station Road B.
A 30 break for Ryan Ismay (+5 handicap) in the first frame was enough to put the golf club 1-0 up, however with a contribution of 32 from Station B’s Peter O’Hagan (Scr) in the next, the score was soon 1-1.
Frame three saw Shaun Ayre (+13) win easily to put Station A 2-1 in front but this time it was the golf club’s turn to level the score and take the match into a decider, with a victory from Mark Brasted (+8).
In the decider, Phil Sorfleet (+16) started well and in continuing this trend he ran out a fairly comfortable winner to take his team through to the April showpiece final.
In the other semi-final, Workington’s Veterans Club B maximised their handicap advantage as they defeated Division One leaders, Workington Conservative Club, 3-2.
Julian Plaza (+12) outfoxed his opponent in the first to give Cons the lead but with Vets A’s Shane Evitts (+29) in top form in the next, parity was achieved.
Alan Moore (+5) used all his experience in the next to put Cons in the lead once again at 2-1, but with a measured display in frame four Vets B captain Geoff Banton (+32) ensured the match went to a final frame shootout.
The decider proved to be the inevitable safety first affair but with a tactical masterclass, it was Richard Kirkham who took the Vets B side through to the final to the delight of his teammates.
The TKO plate semi-finals also took place this week with the Veterans Club A and Station Road A both making it through to the April 20 final.
In the first of the semis, Vets A coasted through against Workington’s United Club 3-0 with Paul Smith (+29) opening up and captain Kevin Basnett (Scr) rounding off the win.
The second plate semi saw an equally convincing match victory as Station A presided over Whitehaven’s Rack Shack by the same 3-0 scoreline. Peter Collins (+44), Tom Thompson (+20) and Darren Lawson (+25) provided the Station A solidity in what turned out to be a one-sided contest.
